DC Kathua reviews minor mineral Mining scenario at DLTF meeting

KATHUA, JUNE 27: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rahul Pandey today convened a meeting of concerned officers to discuss and review the status of minor mineral mining in the District here at a meeting of Multi Departmental District Level Task Force for Geology and Mining.

The meeting was attended by SSP Kathua, ADC Kathua, DMO Kathua, XEN Irrigation, XEN Flood Control, Range Forest Officer Lakhanpur and other concerned officers.

At the Outset, District Mineral Officer Rajinder Singh Rana gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation and apprised the meeting about the latest status of the minor mineral blocks. Giving details, he informed that a total of 25 mineral blocks have been e-auctioned, 03 were rejected, 09 are operational and 10 are awaiting environmental clearance from JKEIAA.

The Deputy Commissioner, while speaking on the occasion, asked for mapping  of  minor mineral mining areas based keeping in view the impact assessment. He also called for the need to streamline the extraction of minor minerals in the District.

Outlining the importance of the District level Committee constituted for the purpose, he impressed upon the concerned to prescribe SOPs and take all the necessary steps needed for enforcement of the same.

The DC asked the members of the District Task Force Committee to work in close coordination and liaison in the best interest of checking illegal mining in the District.

SSP Kathua, while speaking on the occasion, asked for extending all possible support needed to the checking squads of District Kathua to put in place a robust and formidable mechanism. He also directed the DMO to establish Nakas/check points at the sensitive points to keep a strict and close vigil on illegal transportation and storage of minor minerals.

The Deputy Commissioner further directed the DMO to make a detailed plan highlighting the role of Police, Revenue, Forest, Irrigation and Flood Control departments so as to check illegal mining, transportation and dumping of minor minerals in the District.